New York State Probes Case of Hantavirus in Adirondacks

Health officials are investigating a case of the potentially deadly hantavirus. It was contracted by a Long Island man bitten by a mouse while camping in the Adirondacks.

Doctors treating Michael Vaughan of Stony Brook said preliminary tests indicated he contracted the viral illness. Samples have since been sent to state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for confirmation. Results are expected next week.

He said at a Long Island press conference Friday he was sleeping in a lean-to in the High Peaks region in August when a mouse bit his finger.

Vaughan became ill in September and spent four days in intensive care. He has since recovered.

Nine visitors at Yosemite National Park this summer were infected by hantavirus. Three later died.